TV: NBC Has Found Their Herman Munster For “Mockingbird Lane”

Some really bizarre casting news that kind of has me excited. THR writes that Jerry O’Connell has a new address: 1313 Mockingbird Lane.

The former “Defenders” and Piranha 3D star has been cast as Herman Munster in NBC’s “Munsters” reboot, “Mockingbird Lane.”

The actor will play the patriarch of the family, who in the 1960s CBS comedy was played by Fred Gwynne. In the reboot, Herman — like in the original series — has a permanent home under Grandpa Munster’s thumb. O’Connell joins the previously cast Eddie Izzard, who will play the powerful and quick-witted vampire in a role that was originated by Al Lewis. Mason Cook will play Herman and Lily’s werewolf son, Eddie. Bryan Singer will executive produce and direct the pilot.

NBC initially eyed the reboot, from “Pushing Daisies” creator Bryan Fuller, for this development season but pushed the project to summer.

Fuller and NBC first made an attempt to revive the sitcom last year, with the network ultimately passing. His newer version is said to be an edgier and slightly darker take exploring origins of Herman and Lily Munster (originally played by Gwynne and Yvonne De Carlo) and how they arrived at the famed 1313 Mockingbird Lane address.

The original series, produced by Universal Studios, aired 70 episodes from 1964-66.